Queer Eye star responds to attack ad from conservative group claiming it pushes an ‘LGBTQ agenda’

What’s the mark of a meaningful advertising campaign?

Apparently if far-right campaign groups object to it.

One Million Moms, an infamous campaigning group that opposes abortion, LGBTQ rights and pornography, among other things, has decided that their latest bugbear is a new Uber Eats advert.

Why?

Because non-binary, queer TV presenter Jonathan Van Ness appears in it.

Which apparently means it’s pushing an “LGBTQ agenda on families”.

Ok.

The ad features Van Ness – who shot to fame via Netflix makeover show, Queer Eye – having a light-hearted flip-off with gymnastics champion Simone Biles.

But the humour of the funny spot was lost on One Million Moms who have started a petition to get it removed from air.

“Shame on Uber Eats for attempting to brainwash viewers with an agenda instead of focusing on providing a helpful service, especially during a pandemic,” OMM wrote in a statement on their website.

“Instead of making audiences lose their appetite by glamorizing a LGBTQ lifestyle, Uber Eats should focus on what it does and remain neutral on controversial issues”.

At the time of writing, the petition has 6,500 signatures.

However, Van Ness’ Queer Eye co-star, Bobby Berk, came to his friend’s defence.

“One Million Moms targets ⁦@UberEats⁩ over ⁦@jvn⁩ ads and I COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD!!!#NoHate#LoveWins”, wrote Berk on Twitter, celebrating the anger of the hate group.

Moms also joined in the joy.

“There may be “one million moms,” but there are millions of moms out there of LGBTQ kids that would take them down in a dodgeball game...if given the chance. And then order dinner.#lovewins#wevegotyourback#NoHate @jvn @bobbyberk @UberEats” wrote one Twitter user in response to Berk’s message.

“I saw this yesterday and it made me smile! I love JVN! @UberEats don’t give in. It’s a wonderful commercial. You should run it twice as much. For the record I’m a 55 year old suburban mom,” posted another.

In fact, Moms came out in force to support JVN.

Uber Eats also stood by their advert, with a spokesperson telling NBC:

At Uber Eats, we’re unapologetically committed to representing the flavor spectrum.

From tacos to talent, we like it spicy. JVN and Simone serve gymnastic prowess and ... self-confidence, qualities millions of moms everywhere can—and do—support.

Ah, the sweet taste of representation.